Both Teams to Score, Saturday, February 27

Our last foray into the BTTS market, two weeks ago, produced two 0-0 draws, which left a rather bitter taste in our mouth, so we’ve picked three more Championship ties in an effort to redeem ourselves.

Wolverhampton Wanderers versus Derby County (4/5)

Wolves currently lie 11^th in the Championship table after a run of five games without a win, but have managed to score at least once in their last seven home games. The Rams ended their own eight-game winless run in the Championship with a dramatic 3-1 at Brentford last Saturday and, with striker Chris Martin rediscovering his goal-scoring touch, they should be good for a goal at Molineux.

Bolton Wanderers versus Burnley (5/6)

The Trotters are firmly embroiled in a relegation battle, but have scored in all three home matches in the Championship and both F.A. Cup ties since the 2-0 home defeat by Huddersfield early in the New Year. Title chasing Burnley, on the other hand, have scored in five of the their last six away games, including against Arsenal in the F.A. Cup.

Fulham versus Middlesbrough (5/6)

Fulham have scored in all bar three of their Championship home games this season, including three goal from corners against struggling Charlton last week, while third-placed Middlesbrough haven’t exactly been prolific away from of late, but will be keen to maintain their push for automatic promotion after missing the chance to go top at Leeds last week. Former Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes looks a decent acquisition for the Smoggies.

Both teams to score treble (5.05/1 with Bet365)

Both Teams To Score, Saturday, February 13

From time to time, we like to look beyond the heady heights of the Premier League to see if there’s any value to be found in the Both Teams To Score (BTTS) markets in the Football League. This week, we’ve come up with three Championship fixtures that we believe will produce a few goals and, hopefully, a nice little profit to boot.

Blackburn Rovers versus Hull City (6/5)

Rovers needed an injury time equaliser to force a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the KC Stadium in September and, despite being separated by 15 places in the Championship, there may not be much between the teams once again. Paul Lambert’s side had the best of the chances during their 1-1 draw away to Middlesbrough last week and, while the Tigers are a strong defensive side, they have conceded in 7 of their last 10 away games in the Championship.

Charlton Athletic versus Cardiff City (5/6)

The Addicks remain rock bottom of the Championship, four points from safety, and although winless at home since November, score draws against Bolton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers provide cause for encouragement. The Bluebirds recorded back-to-back away wins at Wolves and Huddersfield last month, scoring three on each occasion, so should be capable of breaching the Addicks’ defence.

Reading versus Burnley (10/11)

The Clarets currently lie third in the Championship table, just 2 points behind leaders Middlesbrough and, having scored 9 goals in their last three fixtures away from Turf Moor, are sure to provide stiff opposition for Royals. That said, the Clarets’ defence is far from impenetrable, especially against a Reading side that’smade a habit of scoring at home in the Championship this season.

A BTTS treble on the above three fixtures with Bet365 works out at cumulative odds of 6.7/1, or a return of £77 for a £10 stake.

Newcastle United versus West Bromwich Albion, Saturday, February 6

Newcastle United have invested a total of £28.5 million to bring Jonjo Shelvey, Andros Townsend and Bordeaux midfielder Henri Saivet to St. James’ Park during the January transfer window, not to mention Roma forward Seydou Doumbia, who joins the Magpies on a season-long loan.

However, at the time of writing, the Toon remain in the bottom three in the Premier League, two points from safety, so manager Steve McClaren will be hoping that the recent acquisitions will make more of an impact than summer signings Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has scored just four goals in all competitions, and Florian Thauvin, who has proved equally disappointing.

Newcastle lost 2-1 to Watford at Vicarage Road on their last Premier League outing, a performance that McClaren oddly described as “terrific”, apart from the two goals, so it’ll be interesting to see if the former England manager can draw any more positives from the visit of West Bromwich Albion to St. James’ Park on Saturday.

Tony Pulis’ side has hardly set the world on fire, failing to register a shot on target during their goalless draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park two weeks ago. Nevertheless, the return of Victor Anichebe has increased the Baggies’ attacking threat while, at the other end of the pitch, the return of Ben Foster has bolstered confidence defensively.

If West Brom once again take a direct approach, as they did in the reverse fixture at the Hawthorns over Christmas, which they won just 1-0, despite having 22 shots on goal, they could make the 16/5 available from William Hill look exceptional value by teatime on Saturday.

Selection: West Bromwich Albion to win (16/5 with William Hill)